Q: When is a good time to consider solar energy?
A: This spring is a good time to install solar for several reasons:
Energy rates are going up. Many factors outside Arizona, such as conflicts abroad and the Texas freeze of 2021, are contributing to the increase. With approval from the Arizona Corporation Commission, Arizonaโs three largest energy suppliers, Arizona Public Service, Salt River Project and Tucson Electric Power are passing those costs on to customers. Tucson Electric Powerโs new rates took effect Sept. 1, 2023, and are expected to increase the average monthly bills of residential customers with typical usage on TEPโs Basic Pricing plan by about $11.
Be ready for summer heat. Spring installation means your solar system will be fully operational by summer, the best season for solar energy production. This allows you to maximize energy generation during the longer, sunnier spring and summer days, ensuring you accumulate excess energy credits before the high-demand summer months.
Solar incentives. The earlier you install your solar system, the sooner you can take advantage of solar incentives. While incentives are still available, installing your system in spring ensures youโre set to benefit from them, which includes the federal solar tax credit extended until 2035. The Inflation Reduction Act 2022 extended a 30% solar tax credit, making solar installations more affordable. Additionally, this tax credit applies to home batteries, enhancing the financial appeal of going solar.
Solar power can be a desirable selling point for buyers. Installing solar panels in the spring can increase your propertyโs value, making it an attractive option for potential buyers who want to be in their new home before school starts or simply enhance your investment in your home.
Spring provides optimal conditions for solar panel installation. This timing avoids the challenges of winter rains or extreme summer heat, making the installation process smoother and more efficient.
Q: What can I do with excess energy my system generates?
A: Not only can you harness energy from the sun, but you can also save it for later.
Batteries can be integrated into a new solar purchase or installed into existing systems. Solar energy and home battery systems like the Tesla Powerwall offer a sustainable and dependable alternative.
Q: What are options for purchasing solar?
A: Third-party financing can lower the cost of solar installation and maintenance of a system.
There are two primary models:
Lease: Under a lease, the solar provider installs and owns the system, and the customer makes monthly payments to the solar provider.
Power purchase agreement (PPA): For PPAs, the customer pays an agreed-upon rate for the electricity generated by the system.
In both models, the solar company installs the system on the customerโs property, often without upfront costs, and is responsible for the systemโs upkeep. At the end of a PPA or lease term, the customer may be able to extend the term or purchase the system.
The key benefits of third-party owned systems are:
No need for an outright purchase
Immediate tax benefits
Lower credit requirements
Instant savings
Easy transferability to new homeowners
Fast access and approval process
Q: How do I find a reliable solar company?
A: Make sure the company you hire is licensed, specializes in solar and has a long history of outstanding service. Over the past decade, many solar companies have come and gone. We have also seen many companies add solar to their services. Sometimes these companies have little to no experience with solar and sub out the work. Some companies may have a contractorโs license from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors but are not licensed for solar. Check the license of potential contractors.
Take extreme caution before signing up for a solar package from an unsolicited door-to-door salesperson. There are a few reputable door-to-door solar sales teams. However, most of the complaints about the solar industry begin with door-to-door sales. Often, these types of salesmen are just solar brokers. They submit their estimate to solar contractors and accept the cheapest bid, pocketing the difference. There is never an excuse for a salesman to be aggressive or manipulative and you are never obligated to answer the door to a salesperson.
Rosie tip: If you think they are the real deal. Make an appointment for them to come back and do your homework in the meantime.
Now is a good time to buy.
Installing solar panels now offers numerous benefits, from maximizing energy production and financial incentives to improving home value and enjoying favorable installation conditions. Plus, you can lock in your utility rates before they increase again.
Check out some innovative and sometimes overlooked energy-saving strategies that can help you and your wallet survive Tucson's summer swelter.
